Mashiba Dairyo

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 Japanese, 1839–1892

Date2nd month 1865

Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, burnishing and mica on paper

DimensionsOban: 36 × 25 cm (14 3/16 × 9 13/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.63

DescriptionIn kabuki theater, ”Hisayoshi” obliquely referred to the historical warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–98). The representation of historical figures was a sensitive issue for the shogun’s government of the Edo period (1603–1868), who were concerned about how it could be used to reflect negatively upon the current administration. One tale of Hideyoshi recounts his visit to the holy site Mt. Kōya, where his refusal to keep the vow of silence provoked the resident deity, Kūkai (also the founder of esoteric Buddhism), to enact vengeance by a thunderstorm. Hideyoshi remained steadfast. The iron red pigment used for the lightning bolts has oxidized, turning black.Label TextIn kabuki theater, ”Hisayoshi” obliquely referred to the historical warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–98). The representation of historical figures was a sensitive issue for the shogun’s government of the Edo period (1603–1868), who were concerned about how it could be used to reflect negatively upon the current administration. One tale of Hideyoshi recounts his visit to the holy site Mt. Kōya, where his refusal to keep the vow of silence provoked the resident deity, Kūkai (also the founder of esoteric Buddhism), to enact vengeance by a thunderstorm. Hideyoshi remained steadfast. The iron red pigment used for the lightning bolts has oxidized, turning black.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

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